This poem was written for a friend diagnosed with cancer
Lord, You alone have the answer to the questions cancer poses in my life. Please show me what You have in mind. Remind me that Your plans are kind, that I can trust a God I cannot see.
Free me from kidnapping fear that stalks my faith when no one’s near, that leaves me having robbed me of my will to battle on.
Won’t You hear my prayer and dry my eyes? Surprise my heart with hope that’s grounded in Your character and in what I know is true.
A hope that’s based on what You’ve done and what You yet will do.
Greg Asimakoupoulos’ very first book of poetry was published in 2000.
Here is the introductory poem in Greg’s book Prayers from My Pencil.
God’s Artists
Poets are God’s artists. With pen in hand they sketch the world with ink and words and metaphor. They do what they adore. In the process, they draw a door to truth for those who seek to knock.
Poets, you see, are finders who are not content to keep their treasure to themselves. They must express what they confess to see. It’s a passion that burns within.
Awake to life, their hearts afire, poets pray on paper. They are keepers of the flame that blazes in the soul of humankind.
Here is the poem that inspired the writing of Prayers from My Pencil.
Prelude to Worship
As I sit in silence for the service to begin, I wonder how the living Lord might speak to me again.
Will it be the songs we sing or in the pastor’s prayer? It just might be the sermon or a need somebody shares.
Maybe God will touch my heart through laughter or a sigh, or even through distractions like a newborn’s hungry cry.
Whatever means God chooses as He bends my ear His way, I will worship God expectantly for there’s something He will say.
What follows is a YouTube link featuring Greg Asimakoupoulos describing Prayers from My Pencil when it was first published in 2000. Copies can be ordered directly from the author. Email Greg at asimakoupoulos@gmail.com
In the early morning hours when you cannot fall asleep, try conversing with the Shepherd. Don’t rely on counting sheep!
Take advantage of the silence as you toss and turn in vain. Try to verbalize your feelings as you pray in Jesus’ name.
Close your eyes and praise the Savior. Hum a song you’ve sung in church. And you’ll sense the Lord beside you on your horizontal perch.
In addition to each week’s post on this website, Greg Asimakoupoulos offers daily video devotionals on his YouTube channel. Here is a sample video. If you are interested in receiving these devotionals Monday through Friday, you can subscribe on YouTube at My Rhymes and Reasons.
I bow in prayer, but words fall short. I don’t know what to say. Old phrases fail. They seem so trite. I’m desperate for a way to vent my doubts and voice my dreams and verbalize my fears. And then amid the silence, Lord, You whisper that You’re here.
“No need to speak!” I hear You say. “I know what’s on your mind. Just speak My name and rest assured I’ll answer in My time.”
In addition to each week’s post on this website, Greg Asimakoupoulos offers daily video devotionals on his YouTube channel. Here is a sample video. If you are interested in receiving these devotionals Monday through Friday, you can subscribe on Greg’s channel.
My Rhymes and Reasons 